As the warmer months get closer, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without sending your electricity bills through the roof. The secret lies in using your air conditioning unit better. Follow these 12 simple recommendations and techniques to keep your air conditioning unit in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Constantly altering the thermostat makes your AC work harder, elevating energy consumption and causing excessive wear and tear. To boost efficiency, set the temperature at a comfortable level—preferably around 78 degrees F (25 degrees C)—when you’re inside the residence. Then, refrain from changing it. If you get too warm, take off a layer of clothing, spray water on your skin or turn on a fan to cool off without lowering the temperature.
2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away
For maximum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees beyond your usual setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” think about installing a programmable thermostat. This easy upgrade allows you to schedule temperatures based on your daily routines, automatically adjusting the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and not wasting energy when you’re out.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed
Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your air conditioner to work harder than it really should. To decrease heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows when the temperature is the hottest. Window coverings with light-colored backings are the most effective at reflecting sunlight.
4. Keep the Vents Open
Covered or closed air vents throw off your HVAC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating costs. To stop this, always keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and make certain no return vents are blocked by curtains, furniture or rugs.
5. Create Airflow with Fans
Running fans along with your HVAC system circulates cool air more efficiently, making your home feel more comfortable while slightly increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, specifically, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, enabling you to set the temperature higher without losing comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering create heat and humidity. Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to decrease your home’s cooling burden. Additionally, verify your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent hot, humid air from releasing into your house.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
Elevated humidity levels cause your home to feel cool but clammy, tempting you to lower the temperature. A dehumidifier removes unwanted moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while consuming much less electricity than using the air conditioner.
8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade
The outdoor unit’s location impacts its operation dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side protects it during the hottest part of the day for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest part of the day, consider planting a tree or installing a screen to shade it. Just make sure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t impede airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and washing the dishes create indoor heat gain, making your AC work harder. Doing these activities at night when temperatures cool down reduces the cooling load during the hottest hours of the day and saves energy.
10. Replace the Air Filter
A filthy filter restricts airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it on a regular basis to promote maximum performance. The majority of basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate replacement schedule for your product.
11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork
Leaky, uninsulated ducts lose significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned spots in your home including the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork increases system efficiency and lowers energy costs.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Regular tune-ups are essential to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. Employ a licensed specialist to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This proactive measure extends your HVAC system's life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to uncover and fix potential issues before they become expensive problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Charlotte
At Komfort Air Service Experts, we pride ourselves on offering extensive AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Charlotte. Our customers choose us again and again for our unparalleled know-how and commitment to customer satisfaction. In fact, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every service we provide! Work with our friendly staff to keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.